As we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories shines. These pieces delve into intricate topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on power. While many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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